Mechanical Keyboards

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Silent 100% Board (lemmy.world)

submitted 3 weeks ago by iconic_admin@lemmy.world to c/mechanicalkeyboards@lemmy.ml

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So I need some recommendations. I have two 75% boards with gatearon reds and cherry mx blues. I really like these keyboards, but they are obviously not quiet. My issue arises because my desk shares a wall with my daughter’s bedroom, so while she is napping or asleep I am stuck using a Logitech G213. The G213 is much quieter but not as fun.

So my humble request is this: can anyone recommend a 100% (or any percent that has all the keys in smaller form factor) that is as close to absolutely silent as possible? I would prefer a good tactile feel but it’s not required and I’m looking into magnetic switches because those look cool too. I like that you can program them to behave like analog inputs. Also I’m on Ubuntu Linux (fuck you Microsoft) if that is important.

Thanks in advance if you have any ideas for me.

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[–] thejml@sh.itjust.works 3 points 3 weeks ago (1 children)

I built a board with Kailh speed coppers and orings for a similar issue... My daughter would get up early, like 7am and want to play various games while one of us were trying to sleep. And we also shared a wall. Even the gateron browns were louder.

Another thing to consider is the keycaps. I found PBT cherry was louder and resonated more than SA ABS on the board she was using. YMMV. I hear foam/rubber sheets under the PCB and if you can afford it, a thick aluminum or brass shell.

Not sure on specific boards. I tend to stick with TKL for the family PC and split boards for my wrist health.

[–] iconic_admin@lemmy.world 1 points 3 weeks ago (1 children)

A brass shell sounds pretty dope. I definitely hadn’t thought at all about the keycap material and resonance.

Are there manufacturers that have an existing foam under the PCB solution? I think I remember seeing something like that on sonnet keyboards.

[–] thejml@sh.itjust.works 1 points 3 weeks ago

Keychron has a few with foam in solid aluminum shells. A few people At my office have and really like them.

One Has the Keychron with Hall effect switched and likes it except that it's reactive to the magnets in his laptop (used for the lid sensing and closure) so that's something to look out for.